Brazil stun Argentina and qualify for World Cup

Brazil beat arch rivals Argentina 1-3 in Rosario this Saturday to secure their passage to next year’s World Cup. Luis Fabiano scored twice, the other goal came from Luisao.

The match was originally to be played in Buenos Aires, but was relocated to the city of Rosario where the atmosphere was to be more hostile.

Argentina did show motivation and passion from the start but apart from a few opportunities in the opening phase, failed to apply serious pressure on the Brazilian defense.

Instead, the ‘Seleçao’ went ahead in the 24th minute when Luisao headed the ball into the far corner, 0-1.

Six minutes later, a strike from Luis Fabiano doubled the advantage and left the Argentinians shell shocked.

A fantastic strike from first-timer Datolo then gave Argentina new hope in the 65th minute but Luis Fabiano replied with a great lob two minutes later, setting the score to 1-3.

The defeat was Argentina’s first in a home qualifier in no less than 16 years.

As a result, Brazil are the first South American country to have secured their spot at the 2010 World Cup. Argentina remain in fourth place and face a tough challenge against Paraguay next Wednesday.